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Civil Rights Policy Improvement Initiative

Policy drafting and engagement in progress. Projected completion date of initiative in May 2027.

Led by the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, or OCR, the Civil Rights Policy Improvement Initiative is intended to strengthen, clarify, and provide consistency across the university’s civil rights policies.  

This two-pronged initiative proposes: 

  1. Combining the current Anti-Discrimination Policy, or ADP, and Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy, or RVSMTIX, into a single consolidated policy; and 
  2. Revising the current Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking, or Mandatory Reporting Policy to clarify and codify existing expectations for staff.  

About this Initiative

Through this initiative, MSU is proposing the following changes: 

  • Civil Rights Conduct and Responsibilities Policy, or CRCR, would bring together related core protections of the current ADP and RVSMTIX into one comprehensive civil rights policy. While the proposed policy would be unified, the procedures for addressing prohibited conduct would differ based on specific legal requirements and MSU community needs. There are no proposed changes to the protected identities covered.  
  • Civil Rights Reporting and Response Policy, or CRRR, would be a revised version of the current Mandatory Reporting Policy. The draft CRRR codifies expectations and responsibilities for all members of the MSU community in protecting civil rights.
  • In addition to the two policies, the initiative also proposes a single, consolidated set of process standards to include the current standalone Emergency Removal Procedures, Hearing Procedures, Appeal Procedures, and ADP User’s Manual. 

Together, these policies would continue to affirm MSU’s commitment to advancing civil rights by prohibiting discrimination, harassment (including RVSM) and retaliation and by ensuring all Spartans have equitable access to fully participate in university life.

Why this Initiative? 

This initiative reflects MSU’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. By consolidating and clarifying civil rights policies the university aims to: 

  • Strengthen alignment across OCR’s civil rights policies 
  • Reduce confusion and improve clarity around expectations, roles and responsibilities 
  • Enhance access to information and promote consistent pathways for prevention, reporting and support 
  • Improve alignment with other university conduct policies managed by partner offices 
  • Continue our commitment to protecting the civil rights of all members of the MSU community.  

Research and best practices demonstrate that clear, well-defined conduct policies support a healthier campus culture, strengthen legal compliance, improve campus safety, and contribute to student and employee retention. 

FAQs
  • What policies are involved in this Civil Rights Policy Improvement Initiative?
    There are two parts to this initiative: 1) the Anti-Discrimination Policy and the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy would be consolidated into a Civil Rights Conduct and Responsibilities Policy (working title), and 2) the Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking Policy is under evaluation to determine how response to concerns potentially could be strengthened through a Civil Rights Reporting and Response Policy.
  • Why is OCR undertaking this initiative?
    Drawing upon several years of other policy work, survey results and experiences in administering the current framework, we began this initiative to:
    • Reduce fragmentation across civil rights policies
    • Improve clarity around roles and responsibilities of MSU community members
    • Strengthen alignment between policy language, processes and training
  • What has been done so far?

    In mid-2025, we began exploring broad concepts such as a single comprehensive civil rights conduct policy and a single comprehensive set of process standards. Following positive feedback from our team and university partners, this semester we created initial policy drafts and an accompanying set of process standards, sharing other ideas and potential language with partner offices and groups and gathering feedback from everyone.

    Outreach and engagement to date include:

    • Administrative and operational partners, including Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, Human Resources, the Department of Police and Public Safety, the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Impact and Athletics
    • Leadership councils and workgroups, including the IEI Advisory Group, the RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup, the Provost’s Council and executive leadership
    • Shared governance and faculty leadership bodies, including Faculty Senate, Academic Governance Steering Committee, Council of Faculty Affairs Deans and Faculty Excellence Advocates
    • Student leadership and governance groups, including Associated Students of MSU, Council of Graduate Students and Residence Hall Association
  • Why is the timeline being extended?
    This extension is intentional and responsive. It permits additional feedback opportunities to inform continued policy development, allows for more community engagement around training and implementation needs, and ensures that all representative leadership groups have sufficient opportunity to fully engage in the policy development process. The adjusted timeline also supports careful coordination with university partners so that policy, process and training expectations are thoughtfully coordinated before implementation. Because this initiative is not based upon legal requirements, extending this timeline does not impact MSU’s continued compliance with any state or federal civil rights laws.
  • What will happen next?
    Over the summer, the office will carefully assess all input and develop an impact analysis of the proposed changes. We anticipate completing this work in time to share updated policy drafts first with university partners and then with the university community in the fall semester.
  • How can everyone learn more, get involved and continue to provide input?
    As draft policy materials are ready for broader review in the fall semester, OCR will provide opportunities for community feedback through public posting and targeted outreach. This outreach will be accompanied by contextual materials and summaries of key changes to support meaningful engagement. One way we will keep the university community updated is through the OCR Policy Improvement Initiative web page. If you have questions or would like to request an engagement session for you or your team or group, please email us at OCR@msu.edu.
  • How does the university ensure fairness, equity, and due process for everyone involved?
    These proposed policies and the accompanying process standards include neutral, consistent, and impartial procedures that provide all parties with clear notice of concerns, equal access to information, and meaningful opportunities to be heard. These include the ability to present relevant information, be accompanied by an advisor, and review evidence before decisions are made. These standards are designed to promote equitable treatment, reasoned decision‑making, and outcomes that are grounded in the information gathered through the process. 
  • How would privacy, confidentiality, and protection from retaliation be addressed?
    The university limits the sharing of information to those with a legitimate need to know in order to assess concerns, provide supportive measures, and carry out fair and effective processes, consistent with applicable law and policy. Individuals may also seek support from designated confidential or privileged resources, which can provide assistance without triggering a report to the university. Retaliation is strictly prohibited, and concerns about retaliation are addressed promptly to protect individuals who report concerns or participate in a civil rights process. 
  • How do I report a civil rights concern, and can reports be made anonymously?
    At Michigan State University, all reports submitted to Investigation, Support and Resolution, or ISR within the MSU Office for Civil Rights are taken seriously. Anyone—including students, faculty, staff, and guests—may file a report. Reports can be submitted online through the Public Incident Reporting Form, by calling ISR at 517-353-3922 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.), in person at 408 W. Circle Dr., Suite 5, Olds Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824 during business hours, or by email at ocr.isr@msu.edu. Reports may be made by individuals who experienced the conduct, witnesses, or third parties. Anonymous reports are accepted, though anonymity may limit the university’s ability to respond fully. 
  • Where can I find additional information, ask questions, or get help?
    More information, reporting options, and support resources are available through the OCR website or by contacting the office directly. 

Policies